Merwin Tan bagged the boys’ Masters youth championships in the 51st Singapore International Open 2019 over the weekend, proving his early success in the 20th Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships in Malaysia was no fluke.
Tan, 19, claimed the championship by rolling 1,687 pinfalls in eight games to beat Malaysian Megan Zaqrul Haiqal by five pins, while Japanese Keita Tokushia settled for third place (1,657) at the Singapore Bowling Tamasek Club in Rifle Range, Singapore.
The country’s emerging national junior bowler supported by the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF) won last April the boys’ singles gold in the Asian Youth Championships followed by the men’s open masters title in the recent Philippine International Open in Mandaluyong City.
“I don’t want to put pressure on Merwin but he is favored to win the title because of his performances in the last few months. Merwin has very good work ethic, trying to improve himself everytime and master his craft. He’s always practicing what he does. He is a good example to other youth bowlers” said coach Biboy Rivera.
Bea Hernandez, meanwhile, settled for second place after rolling 1667 pinfalls, seven off eventual winner Yuen Hui Shan Natalene of Singapore.
Singaporean Tay Kai Lin Arianne finished third with 1,643 pin falls.
